Dispersed camping near Boonville, New York encompasses several state forests spanning the western Adirondack region and Tug Hill Plateau. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet with seasonal temperature fluctuations between 10°F in winter and 75°F in summer. Primitive campsites typically require preparation for self-sufficient stays without amenities, though some designated sites include basic facilities like fire rings or pit toilets.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: North Lake Reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities with sites accessible by water. "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake," notes Ashlee C., who visited North Lake Reservoir Campground.
Hiking to campsites: Sunday Lake provides walk-in primitive camping options. Elizabeth B. shares, "This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There's a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing... Take Stillwater rd. to McCarty road, the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday lake."
Wildlife observation: The forests around Winona State Forest attract diverse wildlife. The area provides quiet surroundings for nature watching, with Kevin C. reporting, "The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks... overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful."
What campers like
Island camping: Many appreciate the remote island sites on Stillwater Reservoir. Sam T. shares, "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Beach access: Several sites feature natural beaches. Elizabeth B. describes Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping: "A short hike in to a great beach for swimming or paddling. We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear."
Solitude and quiet: The area provides genuine backcountry experiences away from crowds. Thomas E. who camped at Winona State Forest notes, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp... Overall a good free quiet place to camp."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked sites can be difficult. Meghan B. who stayed at Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest advises, "Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse."
Weather preparedness: Conditions can change rapidly, particularly in shoulder seasons. Geoff W. reports from Stillwater Reservoir: "Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront... Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry."
Connectivity limitations: Prepare to be completely disconnected. The Lusheys report from Powley Road, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some sites are easier to reach with children. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, J B. suggests, "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."
Island adventures: Kids enjoy the exploration aspects of island camping. Christie M. from Stillwater Reservoir shares, "just returned from our annual week at the reservoir, such beauty! We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful with our site #37 accomodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!"
Water activities: Swimming and paddling opportunities abound. Mary B. who visited Seventh Lake Primitive Camping reports, "There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large rigs. Noah D. who visited Towsley Road Dispersed Camping notes, "nice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn't want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road."
Drive-in accessibility: A few sites offer vehicle access. Sam T. reports about Stillwater Reservoir: "Was a great camp site very big and had a trail that lead down to the water. This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail."
Road conditions: Access roads vary considerably in quality. Dane P. who visited Stillwater Reservoir explains, "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car."
